It’s December, meaning party season is upon us, and many will be heading out for their annual get-togethers with their colleagues, friends and families.
But while this is the season for glamming up our looks, we mustn’t forget to de-glam at the end of the night.
Hair Expert Alice Dawkins of Milk + Blush reveals three potential dangers of sleeping in hairstyles this party season…
1. Hair loss
Updos are a popular style likely to stay in for the duration of your night, but keeping them in overnight could be incredibly damaging.
That’s because, despite being a low-maintenance style for party season, styles such as sleek ponytails are achieved by pulling tightly on hair follicles, which over time can increase tension and even result in traction alopecia.
Instead, if you have longer hair, opt for a loose braid or a low ponytail to avoid placing any tension on your scalp. Remember to use a silk or satin scrunchie to protect the ends.
Meanwhile, if you have any temporary hair extensions, remember to remove them before bed, as leaving them in overnight can cause them to tug on the roots of your hair and may lead to excessive fallout.
2. Scalp damage or irritation
If you’re likely to take to the dancefloor, you’ll not only want to take your hair out of its hairstyle but wash it before heading to bed.
That’s because when you dance, your body naturally produces more sweat, which contains lactic acid that, when mixed with the keratin in your hair, can block pores and result in damage or hair loss. Plus, if it’s not washed thoroughly afterward, a mixture of sweat and bacteria could cause scalp damage or irritation.
Wash your hair thoroughly after every night out to rid your scalp of excess sweat and add a clarifying shampoo to your routine once a week to remove impurities.
3. Excess tangles/matting
To ensure your hair stays in place all night, you’ll likely reach to products like hairspray, gel, or wax, but while these serve their purpose in the short-term, they can dry your locks out if left in overnight.
Sleeping in hair products could result in you waking up with tangles and matted hair, which will be a pain to get out and result in breakage.
So, ensure you brush your hair out properly before going to sleep to rid it of excess product, and if you’re wearing extensions, take them out, ensure they are completely dry, and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep them in tip-top condition. Hang them on a hair hanger or store them in a breathable bag to protect them from dust and dirt buildup and prevent frizzing.
